How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Check the label

Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather sofa set or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. Additionally you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have some bumps.

You can also test the leather modular sofa by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic contemporary leather sofa. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up close and close to it. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another obvious sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the touch. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of price points.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you take it home.

You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or it's bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize a sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for Leather l couch to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.